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Latrobe City Council calls on federal candidates to secure $3.25M to complete in Traralgon Flood Recovery Project

Latrobe City Council is calling on Federal candidates to invest in the Traralgon Flood Recovery Project across Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Glenview Park.

By news@gippsland - 12th May 2022 - Back to News

An investment of $3.25 million is required to complete the $10 million project. This will complement the $4.75 million Victorian Government investment through the 2022/23 State Budget and $2 million from Latrobe City Council. The current level of investment will partially support the following clubs: Traralgon Football Netball Club, Traralgon Bridge Club, Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby, Traralgon Amateur Boxing Club and Ex-Students Cricket Club.

Traralgon Recreation Reserve Pavilion is one of the priority projects to recover from storm and flood events and importantly provide social and community benefits to users

Needing investment to recover

The following clubs require full investment in their facilities including:

• Traralgon Men's Shed
• Model Makers Club
• Traralgon Pigeon Club
• Traralgon and District Agricultural Society

Traralgon Men's Shed Secretary, Lyn Matthews reflected on the Men's Shed's experience. "We lost a lot of equipment during the floods and it has been a very stressful time for us. Our members need constructive things to do to feel like they are making a difference. Not having somewhere to come has been really difficult for them," said Ms Matthews.

Losing from flooding

Traralgon Football Netball Club President Kevin Foley noted the impact on the club. "We lose something every time we have floods, whether that is memorabilia, tackle bags, footballs and other equipment. You lose a bit of your spirit every time too and I'm not sure we can go through many more." said Mr Foley.

Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby President Bodye Darvill outlined the effect the floods had on their club. "We've had pretty hard yards in the last few years. We spent two years attracting $180,000 with lots of volunteer hours to do up our facility."

"Just after we opened in 2020, COVID-19 shut us down. Shortly after reopening we were hit by the floods. It was devastating for us. We made our facility fit for purpose, perfect for roller derby and the floods just took it all away again." said Ms Darvill.

Invest in the recovery project

Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan highlighted the opportunity federal candidates had to invest in the Traralgon Flood Recovery project. "Our Federal candidates have the opportunity to partner with Council and our community to secure the future of the affected groups at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve."

"This commitment will complete the multi-use pavilion at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve and community hub at Glenview Park. The sporting and community groups affected by the 2021 floods will then have secure facilities now and for future storm events," said Cr. O'Callaghan.

To read more about Latrobe City's Flood Recovery project please visit 'Advocating for our Community' page.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com